Dodge Nature Preschool

About

As a pioneer in nature-based education, Dodge Nature Preschool uses the inherent complexity and beauty of the natural world as a catalyst for children's development.

Story

Situated on a 110-acre area of our Environmental Educational Preserve, the Dodge Nature Preschool brings the natural world into the lives of young children. With their teachers and classmates, children discover the wonders of nature and play on the Model Farm where barnyard animals provide stimulating opportunities for learning and growth. Programs on beekeeping, honey making, maple syruping - as well as tasting apples picked right off the tree - encourage children to explore how their lives are part of the world of nature.

Mission

At Dodge Nature Preschool, we believe children are intrinsically motivated to learn. The teaching staff promotes learning by:

Providing an environment that encourages discovery, experimentation, and the opportunity to see the results of one's actions.
Developing activities to encourage growth based on children's abilities and interests.
Encouraging problem-solving and reflection by asking open-ended questions and providing information in response to children's ideas, insights, and concerns.
Assisting children in their interactions with each other and offering opportunities for cooperative learning.
Providing mixed-age classes to give children the opportunity to learn from and teach each other, much as it would naturally occur in multiple-child families.
Appreciating the individuality of children and families and celebrating diversity.